When Jimmy Attias's great-nephew Samueli was diagnosed with cancer last year, Camp Simcha was there for the family. On Monday, Mr Attias returned the compliment, chairing its Manchester dinner.

"You have heard what an incredible difference Camp Simcha made for our family throughout the time Samueli was ill," Mr Attias told the 320 guests at the Deansgate Hilton.

"It breaks my heart every time I consider the possibility of a family in our community coping with a child's illness without Camp Simcha's vital support. Please help us to ensure they can say 'yes' to any local family who needs them." The appeal helped to raise £190,000 on the night.

Aged five at the time of diagnosis, Samueli was referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital for treatment for Burkitt's lymphoma.

As the family live in Gibraltar, his mother Sari had to leave her four other children, aged from two to 16, with her sister and brothers. "We were told we had to stay in the hospital for six months."

After Camp Simcha made contact, the charity "was with us every step of the way. I so looked forward to my family liaison officer Natalie's regular calls and visits. She was the only person I could be completely truthful with about my feelings and worries. I had to be strong for everyone else but here was someone holding me up.

"Camp Simcha try to make normal out of the abnormal, because when your child is in hospital and so sick, you feel like your life can't go on. They shoulder some of the emotional burden, help you feel a bit more human, help you care for your other kids and give you back some control in your life.

"It is a truly special organisation, without which I don't know how I would have gotten through Samueli's illness."

Samueli returned home after completing his treatment but was back in the UK with his parents for the dinner.

Chief executive Neville Goldschneider said Camp Simcha offered 24 services. "But as parents will tell you, the thing that makes such a big difference is the fact that we will do whatever it takes to help a family cope, for as long as it takes."